Gewey slapped him on the shoulder. “We'll livethrough this. And when we do, I just know it will work out for you.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “But that is aquestion only the future can answer. For now, we must concernourselves with more immediate issues.”
Linis spent the next few hours going over the ceremonywith Gewey, having him repeat it back to him over and over. OnceLinis was satisfied they had covered as much as they could, the twoof them lay down to sleep for what little time remained. Gewey couldfeel Kaylia through their bond and was tempted to reach out, butdecided not to risk trouble with the elders. He still wasn't sure ofthe extent of their abilities and didn't want to stir things up untilhe had to.
Chapter Twenty-Three
An hour before sunrise they were underway again. Linisspent the first few hours picking up where they had left off thenight before. The bonding ceremony wasn't very complex, but Linis hadmade it clear to Gewey that each part held great significance, and itwas very important to get it right.
“I have never seen the bonding performed,”he said. “And I don't really understand the bonding in the sameway that Theopolou would. But, as you are connected with Kaylia'sspirit already, I don't think it will be difficult for you.”
“I hope not,” said Gewey.
Linis threw his arm around Gewey's neck. “Don'tworry. Things will go as planned. Besides, you are about to becomethe envy of many an elf.”
They went over the ceremony a few more times, then lettheir conversation drift to lighter subjects. Gewey's guards kepttheir distance, but by midday Akakios joined in. He had heard ofLinis and held him in high regard, despite the fact that he had beennamed a traitor.
They covered another forty miles before they stopped.Gewey noticed the elves occasionally glancing over at him to see ifhe were tiring. Gewey knew it would be wise to feign fatigue, but hispride wouldn't let him. Every time he caught one their eyes he wouldsmile happily and whistle. This brought fierce stares and chatteramong the elders. All except, of course, Theopolou.
Once camped, Kaylia joined them again. She lookedburdened with worry. “What’s wrong?” asked Gewey.
“Theopolou,” she replied. “He doesn'tseem well.”
“You mean he's ill?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia shook her head. “Not ill. It’s likehe is… drained, weary.”
Linis smiled sympathetically. “Theopolou is veryold, Kaylia. Perhaps this trip, and our quick pace, is too much forhim.”
Kaylia shook her head. “I know, but it's more thanthat. It's as if his spirit is being drained from him.”
“I might be able to help,” offered Gewey.
“How do you mean?” asked Linis.
“I could… give him part of what I have”said Gewey. Then he shook his head. “No. That's not what Imean. I… I can't describe it, but I think I can putpower from the earth inside him.”
Linis looked at Gewey in wonder for a moment. “Howdid you learn to do such a thing? Only the greatest of elf sages haveever been able to do this.”
“I don't know,” he admitted. “I don'treally know that I can. I just feel that I can. Ever since Ijourneyed to the spirit world, the first time, I keep gettingthese… impressions. It's like I know I can do a thing, but I don'tknow what it is.” He rubbed his chin. “I don't understandit, but I think I can help Theopolou… if he'll let me.”
“I'll ask him,” said Kaylia and rose tospeak to her uncle. She paused and looked down at Gewey and smiled.“Thank you.” With that, she walked off to speak toTheopolou.
A short time later Kaylia returned, accompanied byTheopolou. The old elf sat next to Gewey, though he did not look athim.
“Kaylia says you have the ability to transfer theflow from yourself toanother,” Theopolou remarked.
“I think so,” said Gewey.
Theopolou turned to Kaylia then to Gewey. “Thenyou are not certain?”
“Not entirely,” Gewey admitted. “Butlike I told Linis and Kaylia, when I woke up from being in the spiritworld, I felt like I knew things… without really knowing them. Iknow I can do this. And if you're ill you should let me try.”
Theopolou scrutinized Gewey for a long moment. “I'mneither ill nor tired as Kaylia might think, but something is wrong.”He stood up slowly. “I feel as if the energy of the earth issomehow being drained from me.”
“Drained how?” asked Linis.
“I don't know. I have never encountered thisbefore. I have attempted to track down the source, but so farunsuccessfully.”
“Could it be one of the elders?” askedGewey.
“I don't think so,” said Theopolou. “Ofall the elders and other elves here, only Chiron has a strongerconnection than I… and perhaps Linis. Neither could do this.Actually, you are the only one here with such ability.”
“I swear-” Gewey began to protest, butTheopolou held up his hand.
“I did not mean to suggest that you had anythingto do with it,” said Theopolou. “Only that you are theonly one I am aware of that could. It is possible another has somehowgained this ability. And it may not be anyone. It just may be ananomaly.” His eyes grew sad. “Our people have lost somuch knowledge. Even the wisest of us are mere children compared toour ancestors. They had such vast knowledge in matters of the flow,it is said they could trace it to its source.”
Linis joined Theopolou in his melancholy. “Yes.The seekers of old were said to have been able to out run a deer, andhear the heartbeat of a rabbit from one-hundred yards away.”
“I do not think it is wise for you to give me yourflow,” saidTheopolou. “But I would ask that Linis help me track down theculprit, if there is one.” Then as if a wave had hit him, hestaggered.
Gewey jumped up and placed his hand on Theopolou'sshoulder. He could feel the elf tense at the unfamiliar contact, sohe withdrew and took a step back. “Are you…”
Theopolou waved him off. “I'm fine.”
“No, you're not,” argued Kaylia. “Youshould let Gewey try to help you.” Linis nodded in agreement.“I…”
Suddenly he looked up to see that Akakios, standing afew feet away, eyes ablaze, his bow drawn and pointed at Gewey. Linisreached for his dagger, but it was too late. The arrow loosed. Timestood still as it flew through the air and Kaylia tried desperatelyto throw herself in its path. But instead of piercing Gewey’sflesh, it flew past him, missing his throat by a hair’sbreadth, and buried itself into the chest of an elf wielding avicious looking dagger, just a few feet behind them. He gasped,clutched at the arrow, and fell to his knees. Kaylia and Linis werealready running towards him, while Gewey threw his arms aroundTheopolou and pressed him towards the guards.
“Unhand me, boy,” boomed Theopolou.
Gewey ignored his protests. When he was in range of theguards, he shoved Theopolou in their direction. “Protect him,”Gewey commanded. The elves obeyed without question, surrounding theelder.
Gewey ran to Akakios' pack and retrieved his sword. Itsang as he pulled it free from its scabbard, and he could feel thewarm throb of the earth rush through him. By this time, Kaylia andLinis had reached the assassin, and were trying to remove the arrow.
“To arms,” yelled Gewey, alerting theothers, who by this time knew something was wrong and had begunforming a protective circle around the elders.
Gewey ran to Kaylia and Linis. The wounded elf wasstruggling against them, trying to reach into his belt. Gewey droppedto the ground, and with all his strength, grabbed the elf's wristsand pinned them to the ground. The assassin’s eyes shot widewhen he felt the power in Gewey's grasp. Realizing he was faroutmatched, the elf relaxed. Still, Linis, Kaylia, and Gewey did notrelease their hold.
“Who are you?” roared Linis.
The wounded elf said nothing and turned his head.
Gewey could hear the camp organizing a search of thenearby forest. He looked at the elf carefully. Then he closed hiseyes, allowing the power of the earth to flow like a relentless tideand reach every fiber of this being.
“Gewey,
” whispered Kayla. “What areyou doing?”
Gewey took a deep breath. “I am going to get someanswers.” Releasing his wrists, he placed his hands on thewounded elf's chest.
The ground hummed for a moment as Gewey let the powerflow from him around the elf's body. “You can let him go,”he said to Linis and Kaylia. “He cannot move.”
Slowly Linis and Kaylia relaxed. They marveled at thesight they beheld. Gewey smiled as he also removed his hands. Stillthe wounded elf could not move.
“What have you done to him?” gasped Linis.
“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “I am justusing the same power you do. Only I'm using it to hold the elf down.”
“Amazing,” said Linis, half smiling.
Gewey nodded then turned his attention back to hisprisoner. “You will tell me what I need to know.” Hisvoiced was grim and intimidating. “Who sent you?”
The elf glared with hatred and fear. “Curse youand all of your kind,” he hissed, and looked at Kaylia. “Andyou…”
“Careful,” Gewey warned, then let the powersqueeze in tightly. The elf gasped. “Traitor,” he managedto say.
Gewey could hear some of the elves making their waytoward them. In a flash, Theopolou appeared with his knife in handand slit the elf's throat. Blood soaked the elf's shirt and spilledonto the ground. Gewey immediately released his hold on him, but itwas too late. His eyes met Gewey's for one final moment before deathovercame him. Pure hatred was the only thing Gewey could see. Thenthe blank stare of oblivion. He heard a thud, as the knife hit theground beside the slain captive’s head.
Theopolou turned to the others who were still a few feetaway. “He is dead. I have killed him.”
Chiron walked up to the body and examined it carefully.“He has no markings and his clothes could be from anywhere. Thedagger is common as well. The stains and scrapes on his boots suggestthat he has traveled through the mountains.” He turned to theothers. “Does anyone recognize him?”
Each elf in turn examined the body, but none could placehis face or guess at his origin. Even Linis could not find a clue.After it was clear that no one could solve the puzzle, the eldersgathered in a small circle to decide their next move. They invitedLinis to join them, but made it clear that Gewey and Kaylia were toremain with Akakios and the other three guards. Akakios looked as ifhe wanted to ask for Gewey's sword, but did not.
The elders talked for about an hour then split up totell their plan to the others. Linis approached Gewey, his eyesaflame.
“Fools,” spat Linis. “Bloody fools!”“What is it?” asked Gewey.
Akakios and the three guards had joined them.
“They want to press on even faster,” hereplied, in disgust. “And they still will not allow my seekersto join us.”
“You told them they were near?” askedKaylia.
“I had no choice. Whoever the assassin was, he hadthe skills to slip past my people. If there are more out there, wewon't be able to notice them if we travel too fast. And if theyallowed my seekers to come among us, we could move at speed andavoid a trap.” He checked his weapon. “I need to speak tomy comrades. I'll return soon.” He dashed off into the woodsand disappeared.
“Your weapon,” came Bellisia's voice frombehind them.
Gewey turned to her as she walked toward themaccompanied by two escorts, long knives drawn.
“If there is someone seeking to kill him,”said Theopolou. “He should be allowed to keep it.”
“You misunderstand,” she corrected. “Ionly wish to know where he acquired it.”
“It was a gift,” said Gewey.
“And such a gift it is,” she said. Her eyeslocked with Gewey's. “I will not ask you to give it up, and Isuspect that forcing it from you may prove more difficult than wewould have originally suspected. Because of that, I think that youshall be dealt with first. Theopolou's judgment must wait.” Sheturned to Theopolou. “Once we arrive, be prepared to presentyour arguments in favor of this boy, and inform him of his rights.”
“You cannot do this,” said Theopolou.
“I can and will,” Bellisia shot back. “Doyou think me blind? Did you think he could use that much of the flowand it would escape my notice?” She stepped toward Gewey,looking him up and down. “Whatever you are, I will get to thetruth of it. And if you are a danger to my people, we need to know.That gives me theright.” She spun on her heels and strode off.
“I am sorry, Gewey,” said Theopolou, in ahalf whisper. “I fear this trip may go ill for you.”
“I don't understand,” said Gewey. “Whatjust happened?”
“Bellisia is calling you to appear before thecouncil to determine if you are a danger to our race. If they decidethat you are, then they will kill you… and me, for bringing youamong us.”
Gewey tightened his jaw and re-sheathed his sword. “Theymay find that more difficult than they think.”
“Then you will be forced to slaughter yourallies,” said Theopolou. “We will fall and the Dark Onewill triumph.”
“If he allows himself to be killed, all is lostanyway,” said Kaylia.
Theopolou nodded. “The only hope is for you toconvince them to spare you. You must show them that you are not athreat.”
“I need to do more than that,” said Gewey.“I need to convince them to join me. That's why I came to beginwith.”
“True,” said Theopolou. “But I fearyou will have little success. The only way is to gain the support ofthe majority of the elders. The others will fall in line to avoid asecond split.”
“How should we proceed?” asked Kaylia.
“My way is one of caution,” repliedTheopolou. “But now is a time for bold action.” He turnedand took a few steps. “Face each other. Do it quickly.”He turned back around. Gewey and Kaylia stood motionless for amoment, then obeyed.
“Are you sure you wish to be bonded?” theold elf asked. His voice was soft and melodic.
Kaylia didn't hesitate. “I am.”
Gewey was speechless but still managed a short nod.
“But won't this anger the others?” askedKaylia. “How can Gewey convince them if they're too incensed tolisten?”
“Anger will fade,” he explained. “Youhave chosen this… man. And he you. If you expect to touch thereason of the elders, you must make them face their fears and seewhat is possible. Talk is not enough. Though you may be right; thismay be a mistake.”
“It is no mistake,” said Kaylia, smiling.“If Gewey faces death, I will face it with him. I would havethe bond completed before our fate finds us and it is too late.”She turned to Theopolou. “Now is the time.”
“Then prepare yourselves,” said Theopolou.“I will gather the witnesses.”
They watched as Theopolou walked away into the fadinglight, towards the elders. Gewey was shocked. “They will be ourwitnesses?” he laughed.
“They cannot refuse,” Kaylia explained. “Thebonding ceremony isamong our most sacred rituals. It strikes at our core beliefs. Theywould not dare say no, regardless of who is being bonded.”
“What do I need to do?”
Kaylia suppressed a laugh. “If you still have theclothes Theopolou gave you, you should put them on. It's a bit moreappropriate.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. “Asfor me I should change as well.” With that, she danced off,leaving Gewey reeling with emotion that flowed between theirconnection.
If this is what it's like now,Gewey thought. What must it be like when it'scompleted? He shook his head vigorously,trying to steady his nerves, and went to his pack and retrieved hiself clothing.
“Gewey,” called Akakios, trotting towardhim, holding a tiny flask in his hand. “There is a streamnearby where you can wash. I've sent the other three ahead to makesure it's safe.” He slapped Gewey on the back. “Come.Let’s get you ready.”
Gewey paused and extended his hand. “I didn'tthank you for saving my life.”
Akakios looked thoughtful. “I'm not sure I did.Anyway, you might not have been the target.”
/> “What have they done with the body?” Geweyasked, noticing it had been removed. “Two of my kin have takenit to the forest to perform the funeral rites,” he replied.“Assassin or no, he was an elf and should pass from this lifeas one.”
“Of course,” said Gewey.
“But enough of that,” said Akakios. “Youneed to get ready, and I will not face Theopolou for failing to haveyou back on time.” He threw his arm around Gewey, pulling himalong.
Gewey allowed himself to be led east, into the denseforest. About half a mile in, he heard the light trickle of a stream.The three guards were waiting. They did not smile. Akakios halted.“Just a few feet through that brush, you'll find the stream.”He handed him the flask. “Essence of the star lily. It is atradition among us to perfume ourselves during high rituals, and itdoes not get more lofty than this.”
Gewey opened the flask and the air filled with asweetness Gewey had never experienced.
“Thank you,” he said gratefully, and walkedtoward the stream.
“Just see that you give it back,” Akakioscalled after him. “I need some as well.”
Gewey washed and dressed. He wished he had a mirror. Thestream moved too swiftly to see his reflection.
“Gewey,” called a voice a few yards away,just beyond the brush.
Gewey turn to see Linis walking with long strides towardhim. A smile beamed across his face.
“How do I look?” asked Gewey.
Linis examined him carefully then said, “Presentable…all things considered. How do you feel?”
Gewey took a deep breath. “A bit nervous… butexcited.” He took another breath. “Mostly nervous.”
“Just remember what I told you and you will dofine,” Linis reassured. “But if you'd like we can go overthe ceremony again.”
“I'd like that,” admitted Gewey. “Buttell me. Did you speak to your brethren?”
“I did,” he replied, with a flash of anger.“I am not pleased that they let someone through. It will nothappen again.” His smile returned. “I can't wait to seethe look on the elders’ faces.” He began to laugh. “Theirown arrogance has forced them to witness their worst fear.”
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